Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's (R) political action committee, Sarah PAC, raised almost $1.6 million the first six months of this year, it will report in Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings.

Sarah PAC has just over $1.4 million in in the bank at the end of June after having spent about $1.6 million  about as much as it raised  between January and June.

The first six months of this year saw a revamped political operation for Palin, who relaunched Sarah PAC's website this spring and embarked on a national bus tour sponsored by the PAC. That tour, along with some of the former vice presidential nominee's moves in primary states, has stoked speculation that she might run for president.

The money raised by Sarah PAC can't be used toward a presidential run, but the haul reflects the extent of Palin's latent support that could be converted into support for a White House bid.

"We at Sarah PAC are very pleased and grateful for the tremendous support that Governor Palin receives from everywhere across our country," said the PAC's treasurer, Tim Crawford. "Sarah PAC more than doubled the amount we raised as compared to the same time period in 2009. We received more that 36,700 contributions from over 24,000 contributors."

Donations averaged under $50 per person.

Among the PAC's expenditures were $65,000 in contributions to candidates and an $18,700 donation to the Young America's Foundation, an organization for young conservatives.

Most of Palin's political contributions came at the end of June, one day before the semi-annual filing deadline.

Thirteen incumbent Republicans or GOP candidates received $5,000 each from Palin's PAC.

What this report tells us is that Gov Palin is beholden to no one. she owns no one political favors. She is not bought and paid for by political special interests. Her PAC is fully funded by WE the People.

True grassroots politics. $50. donations from tens of thousands of ordinary Americans, just as it should be.

The left recognizes Palin's power and that it comes, not simply from her rhetoric or good looks but from Palin's connection with the people. What they don't know how to deal with is her honesty and integrity, two attributes foreign to just about all Democrat politicians, from Obama on down. The left assumed that the Alaska governors office e-mails would be a treasure trove of embarrassing revelations that would finally sink Sarah Palin, once and for all. Instead, they served to demonstrate a hard-working governor that was not involved in shady deals or fits of egomania, as the leftmedia so hoped. This is the kind of thing that confounds the left when it comes to Sarah Palin. She is authentic and all the bitter diatribes and nasty ridicule aimed at Palin has basically come to nothing. As a Palin supporter, it's good to know that her campaign chest is nice and full with lots more waiting if and when she announces her candidacy. I can hardly wait!

We the People are speaking. that is some serious grassroots. 24,000 ordinary people giving and avg of $50.00 As enabled Gov Palin to stay away from the special interests. This is how we get our government back.

The bus tour was related to what the PAc is about.... About SarahPAC Formed in January 2009, SarahPAC is a federally registered political action committee (PAC) dedicated to building America's future by supporting fresh ideas and candidates who share our vision for reform and innovation. SarahPAC believes America's best days are ahead. Our country, founded on conservative principles and the fight for freedom,/b>, must confront the challenges of the 21st century with integrity, innovation, and determination. SarahPAC believes energy independence is a cornerstone of the economic security and progress that every American family wants and deserves. We believe in American Exceptionalism, and that US foreign policy should, first and foremost, be based on the pursuit of our national interest, not the interests of others. SarahPAC believes the Republican Party is at the threshold of an historic renaissance that will build a better future for all. Health care, education, and reform of government are among our key goals. the Bus tour highlighted many bedrock principles that sarahpac was founded on. continue on with your rant...

I don’t have the code in front of me, but I’ve set up pac-like groups for others and I seem to remember something in there that allows educational purposes as well. Since that is how she framed her tour, and because everyone got quite an education from it, I’d say its well within both the letter and the spirit of the law.

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